30 St Mary Axe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 30 St Mary Axe |
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30 St Mary Axe, with St Andrew Undershaft in the foreground, pictured from Leadenhall Street
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| General information | |
| Type | Office |
| Location | St. Mary Axe London, United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 51°30′52″N 00°04′49″W / 51.51444°N 0.08028°W |
| Construction started | 2001 |
| Completed | 2003 |
| Opening | 2004 |
| Height | |
| Roof | 180 metres (591 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 41 |
| Floor area | 47,950 square metres (516,100 sq ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Foster and Partners |
| Structural engineer | Arup |
| Main contractor | Skanska |
| References | |
| 30 St Mary Axe at Emproris | |
30 St Mary Axe is a very famous skyscraper in London. It's in the City of London, which is a busy financial area. This tall building is often called "The Gherkin" because of its unique shape. It used to be known as the Swiss Re Building.
The building was finished in December 2003. It opened its doors in May 2004. The Gherkin has 41 floors and stands 180 meters (about 591 feet) tall. It was built where the old Baltic Exchange once stood. That building was badly damaged in an incident in 1992.
The Gherkin was designed by Norman Foster and engineers from Arup. It was built by a company called Skanska between 2001 and 2003.
This building has become a well-known icon of London. It's a great example of modern architecture in the city.
Contents
Design and Shape
The Gherkin's shape is very special. It is wide in the middle and gets narrower at the top and bottom. This design helps the wind flow around the building. It also helps sunlight reach the streets below.
Why the Gherkin is Green
The building has many glass panels. These panels are arranged in a pattern that looks like a diamond. This makes the building look a bit green, like a gherkin pickle!
Inside the Building
The Gherkin is mainly an office building. Many companies have their offices there. It has a restaurant and a bar at the very top. From there, you can see amazing views of London.
How it's Eco-Friendly
The Gherkin is known for being an eco-friendly building. It uses less energy than many other tall buildings. Its unique shape helps with natural ventilation. This means fresh air can move through the building without needing too much air conditioning. It also uses natural light to save electricity.
Location in London
The Gherkin is located in the heart of the City of London. This area is the main financial district. It's where many banks and businesses are located. The building is close to other famous London landmarks.
Images for kids
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30 St Mary Axe
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Aerial view showing complete structure
See also
In Spanish: 30 St Mary Axe para niños
